String-knotting apparatus



Dec. 29, 1931. K. M, GIVEN 1,838,757

STRING KNOTTING APPARATUS Original Filed March 26, 1929 r 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 n y 1 53 3O INVENTOR fig. 2. 3%9 YenneZhJIGz'ren BY 5g 9 ATTORNEY Dec. 29, 1931. GIVEN 1,838,757

STRING KNOTTING APPARATUS Original Filed March 26, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 l fl INVENTOR fmzeih ZT Given.

BY I I ATTORNEY -Dec. 29, 1931. K. M. GIVEN 1,833,757

I STRING KNOTTING APPARATUS Original Filed March 26, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 L 4 sfil -9 Q3 8 9/ yr; 83 83 4 x 83 79 '79 g6 79 84 Q Q Q INVENTOR ZnneihZTGfl en.

ATTOR N EY STRING KNOTTING APPARATUS Original Filed March 26,-1929 5 Sheets-Shae! 4 -1/3 76 58 I07 I15 I 58 f/l4 O 70 SE T: l6 K M H 6 ENTOR 99 O .59- We BY 55 (O0 ATTORNEY Dec. 29; 1931. K M GWEN v STRING KNOTTING APPARATUS Original Filed March 26, 1929' 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR fennezh M G z'ven Mb ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 29, 1931 KENNETH M. Glynn, or nRoNXvIL-Ln, nnwyonmnssrdnon TO A. KIMBALL COMPANY, 1:; or new Yon-K, N. Y ri conroim'rron on NEW YORK y s'rnrive-kirorrme A t nnas Application filed March 26,1929, Serial No. 350,004. Renewed May 9, 1931.

My invention. relates as: improvements in apparatus or machines: foruse in knotting twine, thread, or string,or inattaching same to tags, labels; and other articles.

One objectof my invention'is'to provide other article may be provided with a string which is thereafter knottedso as toprovide a permanent attachment. A further object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus whereby labels,'tags,' or the like maybe attached to articles .of merchandise by means of knottedstring. Afstill further object of the invention is to provide an improved machine comprising means whereby a string is passed througha labelor the like and through an article of merchandise and is thereafter knottedso as to retain the label orthe lik e-pern'ianentlv attached tothe said article. A still further object of this invena string is provided with two depending'ends, and means whereby such ends are knotted together. A still further object'isj to provide 26 improved means whereby a string is looped through oraround one/or more articles and is then manipulated to form a 'knot in close proximity to the article or articles through or around which the string is looped. With these objectsin viewthe invention consists'in the HO Bl c0n's'truction'and arrangement'of parts hejreinafter described,

illustrated in" the accompanying'drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended rlaims, it being understood that various changes in the arrangementand constructional details may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the "advantagesof the invention. Inthedrawings, Fignl is aside view of the machine with parts thereof i n vertical section; v

of the string guiding means; 1 I

5 i Fig. 3 isaffront view shown partly in sec tion enthe line 8-23.01 Fig. 1;

Figs. 4 to 12 inclusive are detailfront views showing in nine different positions, partiof the 1I1eCl1ELIllSm;f0I forminggthe string into a loop with, two depending ends;

I hand side of Fig. 13; an-improved' machinexwhereby arlabe-l or .line-.15- 15of Fig. 14;

-,ciprocating core'of the knot-tying mechanism;

i Fig. 24, but showing successivestages in the Fig.113 isan enlarged detail front view showing part ofthe mechanism for knotting the string; a

gFig. '141is aside view looklng on the'rlght- K p Fig. 15-is a vertical section taken on the Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail view,'shown partly in section, of the rotary head and re- Fig. 17 .is a vertical section ofthe same parts, partly in outside view, showlng a different position of the core;

1 F'g. 18 is a plan view with the cover rte- 6 1 moved'from the. rotary head, and with the core incross section Figs. 19 and 20 are plan views-of the same parts, showing two difierent stages in thej'op er t tion is to provide improved means whereby Figs. 21, 22 and '23 are similar views showing-three further stages in the operation and also show the cooperating members'for use in forming the knot; 1 V 1 Fig. 24 is an enlarged sideview ofthe-upper part-ofa rotary head with an attachment for use in tightening the .knot. Q Fig.- 25 is a plan view ofthe same; and Figs. 26 and 27 are views corresponding to operation of the knot-tightening device.

The machine is built with a base30 front and rear frames31', 32; side frames 33, 34, and a top or table 35 supported upon said frames and having a thinuppercovering plate 36. Theltable, 35is made with anope'ning 37 and above such. opening; the covering Iplate 36 has a hole 38 forthe passage of a verticallyreciprocating needle 39 depending fro bracket 40, secured to a slide rod 41 which latter is'splined in a bearing 42 carried 3 by a bracket 43 mounted upon the table35, Fig. 2 Is a detail plan View show-lnga part and in a bearing 44 depending from theunder the sliderod is reciprocated so as to raise and lower the needle 39 the arm 45 being ful crumedin a bracket 46 mounted upon theside f frame'3'3fand integral with this arm 45 is'a short arm 47 carrying a roller 48 which engages a cam groove 49 in a cam wheel 50 keyed to the main shaft 51 of the machine.

Mounted in the opening 37 in the table 35 is a bracket 53 (see Fig. 2) having atapered slot 53 with its wide portion or mouth in line with the'opening 38 for the needle, and mounted on the under side of the table 35 is a cradle 54 which supports a rotary head 55 with a vertical bore 56 therein, normally located directly in the path of the needle 39. A downwardly tapered opening 57 in the bottom of the cradle 54 (see Fig. '1) is also arranged in the path of the needle so that the latter may pass through the rotary head and depend beneath the cradle in the position indicated in dotted lines at Figs. 1 and 3. Se cured in the lower part of the rotary head 55 is a depending hollow shaft 58 (see Fig. 17) which passes through an opening in the under part of the cradle 54 and is mounted at its lower end in a bearing 59 projecting from'a frame 60 hereinafter referred to.

Referring particularly to Figs. 13 to 15, the hollow shaft 58 is provided on its lower end with a bevel pinion 61 which meshes with and is driven from a bevel wheel 62 keyed on a short shaft 63 adapted to be driven by means of a,slotted star gear 64 thereon. The frame 60 hereinbefore referred to is mounted on the base 30 and is provided with bearings for the said shaft 63 and also forthe main shaft 51 which latter carries a disc 65 having a roller 66 adapted to engage the slots of the gear 64 so as to rotate the shaft 63 and the bevel wheel 62 through one-quarter of a revolution to each complete revolution of the main shaft 51, and the gear ratio of the bevel gear 61, 62 is such that one complete revolution is imparted to the bevel pinion 61 and thus to the rotary head 55 during each complete revolution of the main shaft 51; but the gears are so timed that the rotary head 55 makes one complete revolution and remains stationary during the remainder of the cycle of operations.

Extending forwardly from the frame 60 are two brackets 67, 68 having vertical openings 69 to serve as guides for a rod 70 mounted within the hollow shaft 58 for the purpose hereinafter described. Mounted on the front of the brackets 67, 68 is a slotted plate 71 shaft 70 is secured (see Figs. 16 and 17) to a reciprocating core 76 which is thus raised and lowered in the manner required and as hereinafter more fully set forth.

The frame 60 also carries a shaft 77 which supports a boss 78 having a hook member 7 9 adapted to pass between the front of the needle 39, and the string in the eye thereof. As the needle commences its upward movement and the string is retarded at the front of the needle by engagement with the lower extremity of the tapered opening 57 the hook member 79 is swung into the string-engaging position by means of an arm 80 extending from the boss 78 and having a roller engaging a suitably shaped cam groove in a cam wheel 81. Also mounted on the shaft 77 is a boss 82 having an arm 83 adapted to hold the string against the side face of a depending part 84 on the cradle 54 and another boss 85 carries a knife 86 adapted to engage the rear face of the said depending part 84 with a shearing action and to sever the string, the boss 85 being operated by an arm 87 having a roller engaging a cam groove in a wheel 88, while the boss 82 is actuated by means of a spring 89 in compression between the bosses 82 and 85 in such manner that the operation of the arm 87 first causes the arm 83 to engage the part 84 in front of the knife 86 and further movement of the arm 87 brings the knife 86 into operation while the compression of the spring 89 due to the relative movement of the bosses 82, 85 increases the pressure of the arm 83 upon the depending part 84. The shaft 7 7 also carries a boss 90 having an arm 91 adapted to engage a recess 93 in the part 84 to anchor the string during one part of the operation and an aperture 94 in the arm 91 islocated in the path of the needle while the string is being so anchored for the purpose hereinafter described. For the operation of the arm 91 the boss 90 has an arm 95 with a suitable roller engaging a properly shaped cam groove in a cam wheel 96.

The rotary head 55 and the reciprocating core 76 operate to form the knot in the string, the rotary head being rotated by means of the hollow shaft 58 (see Fig. 17) in the manner hereinbefore described through the medium of the bevel gear 61, 62 and the parts 64, 65, 66; and reciprocating motion is imparted to the core 76 by the inner shaft 70 through the medium of the roller 74 and the cam wheel 75, all as hereinbefore described. Referring particularly to Figs. 16, 17 and 18, the head 55 is recessed to accommodate the core 7 6 in the upper part thereof, and the vertical hole 56 hereinbefore referred to permits free passage of the needle 39 when the head 55 is in its normal position. The front of the core 76 is formed with a central vertical groove 97 to accommodate a cam or inclined projection 99 and a pair of guide strips or plates 99 formed in the interior of the head; and at the back of the core a vertical groove 98 is provided to facilitate disengagement of the loop of string from the core and for the accommodation of ahookl17 hereinafter described. Near the upper end thereof the core 76 is formed with a central opening 100 through which the ends or other parts .of the string may be introduced by means of amember 101 as hereinafter de scribed, and just below this opening100 the vertical front edges of the coreare provided .with ridges 102 for pulling the string'beneath the path of the member 101. Thehead is provided with a removable cover 103 and below' this coverthe head is formed with a recess 104 for the admission of the member 101 and with a rear recess 105 for the accommodation of a pair ofspring blocks 106 which are pressed against each other by means of-the springs 107 and are adapted to retain the ends or other parts of the string.

111 adapted toengage the string passed-round the upper part of the core and to move same to one side to ensure engagement of the string by the said ridges 102 during their downward movement in the manner hereinafter more fully set forth. Below the cover 103 the head 55 is recessed for the reception of a sliding gate piece 112 (seeFigs. 16 and 18) for retaining the string in position in the hole 56. This gate piece112 is provided with ly held in its operative position,but a lower projecting part 114 thereon is beveled for engagement with the end of a rod or bracket 114 carried on the member 101 and adapted to enter a guide opening provided therefor on the head 55. The member 101 and the part 114' are so arranged that the introduction of the said part 114, presses the parts 112, 114 to one side against the action of the spring 113, so as to release the string in the manner required as the end 108 of the member 101 passes through the opening 100. At the lower extremity of the hole 56 in the head 55 a loose ring or bushing 115 is mounted and a spring 116 normally presses the ring 115 into contact with the upper surface of the cradle 54so as to exert the desired pressure onthe string during the rotation of the head One purpose of the groove 98 in the back of the core '76 is to accommodate the said hook device 117 (see Figs. 24 to 27) for moving the loosely formed knot upwardly toward the article through or around which the string has first been threaded. Cooperating with this hook 117 is afork 118.which .disengages theloop of string from the hook H 117 and presses and tightens the knot in an upward direction. Pivotally mounted on the 'side of the head- 55 are a pair ofarms119 having a crossbar 120 upon which the-hook member 117 is pivoted. The. arms 119 also carry a cross bar 121-upon which the fork member 118 is pressed by the action of a spring 122; The hook '117and-the fork 118 are both pivotally supported by a pair of arms 123 mounted on a cross bar124 which iscarried in brackets 125. on-the back of the romy head 55 and has an operating shoe 126 adapted to be engaged at the proper time by a plunger 127 slidably mounted in a projection 128 on the cradle 54and in a bracket'129 on the frame 60. The lower end of the plunger127 has a roller 130 for engagement with the periphery of a cam 131 and a spring132 is held in compression between theunder side of the projection 128 and a collar 133 on the plunger, so that the roller 130 is retained in engagement with the periphery of. its cam and the lower part of the plunger 127 is squared or splinedto' preventrotation thereof in the bracket 129.

In the operation "of forming the knot the cooperating memberslOl, 110 (see Figs. 1

and Figs. 21, 22, 23) are operated in proper sequence andat the'correct time by a double armed lever 134, 135 mounted on a bracket 136 on the front frame 31 .ofthe machine. The lower extremity of thearm 135 is provided with a roller 137 which is engaged and operated by a peripheral cam groove 138 in a drum 139 fast on the mainshaft 51, and the upper extremity of the arm 134 engages a I slot 140 inthe front end of the reciprocating a spring 113by means of whichit is normalmember 101 which is supported by means of a pair of brackets 141, 142 on the under side of the table'35, while the swinging member 110 is supported by means of a pivot 143 r on the under side of the said table. A pin 144 on the-member 101 engages a slot 145 in the member 110 and this slot is so shapedthat the movement of'the member; 101 fronrthe position shown at Fig. 21 to that shown at Fig. 22 swings the member 110 into the op- 'e'rative position and further movement of the member 101 causes it to function and to bring jthe string into engagement with the retain ing blocks 106 (see Figs; 17, 18 and 23), and during this latter movementor part of the movement of the member 101, the swinging member 110-is free to moveback so shaped-at 145 that backward movement of the memberllO is permitted: 'Retraction of the member 101'due to the contour of'the cam groove 138 first withdraws the member 101 from its operative position and then causes the withdrawal of the member 110, all flrlir the purpose herinafter more fully set fortrxgj r The needle 39 employed in this machine is of any suitable or well-known construction, and is formed in the rear side thereof with a longitudinal slot 39 for the accommodation of the string (see Fig. 1) while the front side of the needle is formed with only a short groove 39 which accommodates only a very short length of the string,with the result that the ledge forming the lower extremity of the hole 57 in the cradle 54 retards the upward movement of the string during the upstroke of the needle, so that a loop is formed for the reception of the hook member 79 in front of the needle.

The machine is driven by an electric motor 146 mounted on the base 30 of the ma chine and the drive is transmitted by a pinion 147 mounted on the motor shaft 148 which is supported by a bracket 149, and a spur wheel 150 loose on the main shaft 51 is in constant mesh and is driven by the pinion 147. For transmitting the motion of the spur wheel 150 to the main shaft 51 a sliding clutch member 151 is splined on the shaft 51 and has a friction ring 152 adapted to engage a similar ring 153 secured to the spur wheel 150, and has another friction ring 154 adapted to engage a similar ring 155 secured to a bushing 156 anchored to the rear frame 32 of the machine. A yoke 157 pivotally mounted in a bracket 158 on the said frame 32 is swung by means of an arm 159, while a slide rod 160 mounted in guides 161, 162 is adapted to be moved backwardly by means of a knob 163 to swing the yoke 157 and cause engagement of the clutch. The control rod 160 is normally retained in its forward position by means of a spring 164 in compression between the guide 161 and the knob 163. For retaining the clutch device in the engaged position a latching device 165 is provided, this device being mounted with a universal joint 166 in a fixed bracket 167 depending from the said bracket 158, and a spring 168 holds the latch device 165 in engagement with a depending central lug 169 on the yoke 157. In the position shown at 1 the mechanism is in position for the commencement of a cycle of operations, and backward movement of the control knob 163 throws the clutch into engagement and commences the operation. When the main shaft 51 has made one complete revolution, however, a projection 170 on the clutch'151 engages the latching device 165 and swings the same in a lateral or sidewise direction out of engagement with the central lug 169 so that the yoke 157 is free to swing under the action of the spring 164 on the control rod 160 until the parts assume the position illust ated at Fig. 1, the mechanism being intantly brought to rest in. readiness for the commencement of the next cycle of operations.

A string-supply spool 171 is mounted on the table 35 at the back of the machine and the string 172 from this spool is led through a guide 173 on the bearing 42 and through a tension device 174 on the bracket 40 and through a guide 174 to the needle groove 39 and thence to the eye of the needle 39.

The construction of the various parts of the apparatus will be clearly understood from the foregoing description, but in order that the operation of the machine may be more clearly and more readily understood, 1 will now describe the complete cycle of operations.

At the commencement of the operation the parts of the machine are in the position indicated at Fig. 1 and power is supplied to the electric motor 146 in order to continuously rotate the spur wheel 150 on the main shaft 51. .he operator stationed in front of the machine places the labels, tags, or other articles in the proper position beneath the needle 39 and, in order to commence the operation of the machine, the operator presses back the knob 163 thereby throwing the clutch 151 and causing the main shaft 51 to rotate with the spur wheel 150.

The rotation of the shaft 51 carrying the cam wheel 50 reciprocates the slide rod 41 thereby causing the needle 39 with the string 172 threaded through the eye thereof to descend through the hole 38, slot 53, bore 56, and hole 57 to the position indicated in dotted lines at Fig. 1, and as rotation of the cam wheel 50 is continued the cam 49 reverses the movement of the needle and the part of the string in front of the lower part of the needle is retarded by the lower extremity of the hole 57, so that a loop is formed in front of the needle, and as the needle 39 continues to rise the cam wheel 81 operates the hook member 79 which is swung into the position indicated at Fig. 4 where the arrow indicates the direction of movement of the needle, and the hook 79 shown in engagement with the string. As the operation continues the cam wheel 88 swings the holding member 83 into the position indicated at Fig. 5, so as to retain the end of the string and further movement causes compression of the spring 89 and operation of the knife 86 into the position indicated t Fig. 7 where the end of the string is cut off, but, before the string is cut by the knife 86, the cam wheel 96 swings the arm 91 so as to hold the string against the recess 93 (see Fig. 6). As the needle again descends as shown at Fig. 8 the hook 79, holder 83, and knife 86, are swung back into the inoperative position by their cam wheels 81, 88. In this second downward movement the needle passes through the aperture 94 in the arm 91, as shown at Fig. 9, and as the needle rises for the second time the hook member 7 9 again comes into operation (see Fig. 9) and as this upward movement continues the holding device 83 is brought into operation (see Fig. 10) and the knife 86 subsequently severs the string (seeFig, 11), in the manner hereinbefore described; and after,

the needlehas been raised clear of the rotary head 55 the cam wheels 81, 88, 96 thenwithdraw the hook 79, holder83, knife 86 and arm 91 into the position indicated at Fig.12 thereby releasingithe depending ends of the string; and for the remainder of this cycle: of operations the needle 39 is held in its raised. position andthe parts 79,83, 86, 91

remain inactive in readiness forthe com-.

mencement of the next cycle; the cam groove 49 being so shaped that the four-strokecycle of the needle takes place and the needle then remains stationary in-its initial position as shown at Fig. 3 where the cam wheel 50 ro tates in the direction of the arrow. 1

It will be understood that the label, tag, or

other article 176, (Figs. 4 to 12).;is manip ulated by theoperator. so'that': the needle. in one of its downward movements passes through the'label or other articlei(or through the eye thereof) and in the other. downward movement of the needle the label or other",

? article is moved so that the needle passesclear of the label (see Fig. 8) orthrough a different portion thereof. l i v Figs. 4 to 12 show by Way of example a 0 label 176 having thestring 172 threaded 3 stood that the needle maybe conveniently causedto penetrate alabelor the like and also to penetrate'the article to .whichthe label is to be attached so as toform a loop threaded the free end passing downwardly through the bore 56 in the rotary 'head55, or .the string and the head 55 rotates therewith; V:

exerted by the ring 115 upon the free ends of the string, so that the necessary tension isprovided in the'str'ing-between the ring 115 and label, tag or other article engaged by th string. 1 V

therethrough, but it will be readily under through the label or other article and having 1 76 within the head 55, so thatthesaid core ultion in a counter-clockwise di rection"(see' at 24to 27' inclusive may or may notjbe ern As the head 55 rotates yielding-pressure is V Fig. 19 isa' plan View showing the head after the completion of the first two. strokes of the needle, and Fig. 20 is a similar view after the completion of the four strokes of the H needle and after the core 76 has been raised 7 in readiness for the rotation of i the head. Fig; 21 is a similaryview showing the head after its rotary movement, and alsoshowing'. thecooperating parts 101, 110, 11 1, Asthe I head 55 and core 76 rotate thestring remains 76 in engagement with the slot 53 in the bracket 52, and: as the string is wrapped around the core 76 beneath the ridges 102-on the core the restricted ext'remityof the slot 53 grips oneor both parts of the string and thus entirely precludesthe possibility of the string being drawn up unevenly through thering 115.- On completion of this rotary movement the member 110 is swung into its operative position (see Fig. 22) so that its forked end 111m. 357

core 76 is in alignment with the recess 104:. ":v

As themember 101 enters the opening the part 114: engages the inclined face 114' of the sliding. gate piece 112 which had beenref taining the loose ends of the string in the ver-:.: A tlcal bore 56 and as the said gate piece is thus moved asidethe loose ends-ofthe string are engaged and pressed by the grooved endzl08 of the member 101 and are thus passed between the guide strips or plates 99 and through the opening 100, and'are forced be- 195 tween the opposedffaces of the spring blocks 106 (see particularly Fig. 17 I The members 101and 110 are then with drawn and the .cam'wheel 75 causes the core 7 6,to move downward and disengagement of 111-0 1 the string from the ridges is positivelypre-- vented by the strips 99 untilthe camor'inclined projection. 99engage the string encircling the core 7 6- and disengages the same from the ridges 1.02, and during the final'portion of the downward'stroke of the core 76 a pull-is exerted on'the knot just formed.

The loop or knot raising mechanism shown ployed according to the particularrequire' ments, and thedisengagement of the string; from the ridges 102 by the; member 99 tom pletes the cycle of operations unless the. said mechanism is employed. As the. free'ends gg of the string are retained by a: friction grip between thespring blocks 106 an d as (the string is-disengaged from the core 76, a, pull,;- by the operator, onxthe label, tag o'rother ar-' ticle, or on the upper part of the string tights. m"

ens the knot thus formed and withdraws the free ends from the said spring grip.

When it is desired toemploy the loop or knot raising mechanism shown at Figs. 24 to 27 inclusive, the rod 127 is raised by the action of its cam 131 immediately after the release of the string from the ridges 102 in the manner above described, and as the rod 127 engages the shoe 126 and thus swings the members 119, 123 from the position shown at Fig. 24 to that shown at Fig. 26, the loop of string around the back of the core is raised toward the opening 38 and toward the label or other article, and as the motion is continued the fork 118 disengages the loop of string from the hook 117 and presses same towards the label or other article so that the knot formed in the string may be brought close up to the article through or around which the string is looped.

, Although the drawings and above specification disclose the best mode in which I have contemplated embodying my invention, I desire to be in no way limited to the details of such disclosure, for in. the further practical application of my invention many changes in form and construction may be made as circumstances require or experience suggests without departing from the spirit of the invention within the scope of the appended claims, and it will be readily understood the knot forming mechanism may be adapted to give a simple or hard knot or may be so arranged that the extreme ends of the string do not pass through the loop so as to produce a bow-knot affording ease of removal or untying.

What I claim is:

1. String knotting apparatus of the character described, comprising a member for carrying the string to knotting position, means for cuttingthe string, means for holding the two ends of the cut oif string independently of each other, means for manipulating the string to form a loop therein, and. means for pushing part of the string through said loop.

2. String knotting apparatus of the character described,comprising a string carrying member, means for. reciprocating said member to place. the string in position, means for cutting the string to form two free ends, means. for holding said free ends independently of each other and means for knotting the string to attach the two free ends thereof comprising a device for pushing a part of the string through a loop formed by another part of the string. 7

3. String knotting apparatus of the character described, comprising a needle, means for reciprocating the needle to supply the string, means for cutting the string to form two depending free ends, independent means for temporarily clamping each of said free ends, and means for forming a knot in the string above said ends comprising a device for pushing a part of the string through a loop formed by another part of the string.

4. String knotting apparatus of the character described, comprising a needle for supplying the string, means for manipulating the string to provide twofree ends, a core member, means for wrapping the string around said core to form a loop, and means reciprocating at right angles to the core for inserting the free ends of the string through said loop to form the knot.

5. String knotting apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary head, means for passing the string through said head to provide two free ends, a core men1- ber, means for rotating the head to wrap the string around said core member to form a loop, and means for inserting the ends of the string through said core member to form a knot.

6. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a needle for threading the string through an article, means for retaining and cutting the string, and means comprising a rotary head, a reciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle, for manipulating the string to form a knot therein.

7. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a string carrying needle, means for reciprocating the needle to penetrate an article, means for cutting the string to form two free ends, and means comprising a rotary head, a reciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and aneccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle, for knotting the string between the said free ends and the said article.

8. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a needle, means for reciprocating the needle to supply the string, means for cutting the string to form two depending free ends, means for te1npcr arily clamping said free ends, and means comprising a rotary head, a reciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle, for forming a knot in the string above said ends.

9. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a needle for supplying the string, means for manipulating the string to provide two free dependingends, a core member, an opening in the core, means for wrapping the string around said core to form a loop, and means for inserting the free ends of the string through said opening to form the knot.

10. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary head, means for passing the string eccentrically through said head to provide two free ends, a core member, an opening therein, means ends of the for rotating the headto wrap the string.

around said member to form a loop, and means moving angles to the axls of the head for inserting the reciprocating the needle eccentrically' through sald head to provide two free ends, means for rotating the head o form a loop in the string, and means for inserting the free ends of the string horizontally through said loop to form a knot.

12. String attaching apparatus of the char acter described, comprising a rotary head, a

reciprocating needle for supplying a string eccentrically to the head, means for cutting the string to provide two free ends, a core member concentrically mounted in the head,

means for rotating the head towrap the string around said core member toform a loop, and

means for introducing the ends of the string throughsaid core and loop to form a knot.

13. String attaching apparatus ofthecharacter described, comprising a rotary head, a string supplyingneedle, means for reciproeating the needle to feed the string eccentricallythrough said head, means for. cutting the string to provide two free ends, means for temporarily clamping said free ends independent-1y of each other, means for rotating the head to loop the string, and means for introducing the ends of the string through said loop to form a knot.

14. String attachin apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary head, a needle for feeding a string to said head, means :for temporarily clamping the ends of the string, a core in said head, an opening in the core, means for rotating the head to loop the string around said core, means for moving" the ends of the string to penetrate said openingand said loop'to form a knot, and means for temporarily retainingthe said ends to permit tightening of the knot.

15. String attaching apparatus of the char- I acter described, comprising a reciprocating Tne'edle for supplying the string, means for cutting and retaining the string,,a core mem ber,an opening in the core member, means for Wrapping the string around said core to form a loop, reciprocating means for moving a part ofthe string through said loop and through said opening to form a knot, and means whereby the knot is tightened.

16'. String attaching apparatus of the character described,-comprising arotary head, a

reciprocating" needle for supplying two lengths of string to the head, means for cutting the string to provide two free ends, a core member, an opening in the coremember, means for rotatinguthehead to wrap the string around said core member to form a at approximately. ri 'ht string through said loop to form loop, and means for introducing the two ends 3 ofethe string through said opening and said loop toform a knot. a I a 17 String attachingapparatus of the char-' acter described, comprising a'rotary head,

ail-eccentric bore in said head, a string supneedle for feeding a string to said head, means;

for temporarily clamping two ends of the. string, a core mounted centrally in saidhead, means for rotating the head toloop'the string around said core, means for moving the two ends of the string in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the head to pens-:- trate said loop and form a.knot,and means for temporarily retaining the "said ends to permit tightening of the knot.

l9. Strin attaching apparatus of the character descri ed, comprising a reciprocating needle tor supplying two lengths of string, means for cutting and retaining the string to form one piece with two depending ends, a rotary core member, means for wrapping the string around said core member to form a plying the string to an article, means'forj cutting the stringto form two free ends,

means for temporarily clamping said free' 7 ends, means for manipulating the string be tween the article and said ends'to formwa loop, means for introducing the ends of the stringthrough said loop,--and spring jaws for gripping the. ends of the string after introduction through said loop.

21. String attaching apparatus-of the chars acter described, comprising a reciprocating needle for passing the string through an art1cle,a hook devlcefor separating the string fromthe side of the needle, a retaining device for engagingthe string, a knife for severing the end of thestring, and means for forming a knot in the string comprising arotary head, a reciprocating core mounted'centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head torthe passage of the needle.

22;. String attaching apparatus of the char:- acter described, comprising means for feeding a string to an article, means for cutting the string to provide two free ends, means for temporarily holding said free ends, a rotary:

head between said ends and the article, means for rotating the head to form a loop in the string, means for pushing the ends of the string through said loop ina direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the head, and means for changing the plane of the loop to permit said introduction.

23. String attaching apparatus of the char acter described, comprising reciprocating means for supplying the string, means for manipulating the string to form two free ends, a reciprocating core, means for wrapping the string around the core to form a loop, means for pushing the ends of the string through said loop in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of said reciprocating means, and means for depressing one side of said loop to permit said introduction.

24. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying the string to an article, means for cutting the string to form two free ends, means for temporarily clamping said free ends independently of each other, means for manipulating the string between the article and said ends to form a loop, means for introducing the ends of the string through said loop, spring jaws tor gripping the ends 01" the string after introduction through said loop, and means for tightening the knot thus formed.

25. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a reciprocating needle for passing the string through an article, ahook device for separating the stringfromthe side of the needle, aretaining device forengaging the string, a knife torseveringthe string to provide two free ends, and means for forming a knot in the string between said ends and the article comprising a rotary head, a re ciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle.

26. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for feeding two lengths of string to an article, means for cutting the string to provide two free ends, means for temporarily holding said free ends independently of each other, a rotary head between said ends and the article, a core in said head, a central opening in the core, means for rotating the head to form a loop in the string, means for introducing the ends of the string through said opening and said loop, and means for changing the plane of the loop to permit said introduction. 7

27. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising reciprocating means for supplying the string, means for cutting and manipulating the string to form two free ends, a reciprocating core, an opening in said core, a rotary member for wrapping the string around the core to form a loop, means for introducing the ends of the string through said loop and said opening, and means for depressing one side of the loop to permit said introduction.

28. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying the string, means for cutting and temporarily clamping the string, means for looping the string, means for imparting sidewise movement to the string adjacent to said loop, and forked means for pushing the ends of the string through said loop to form a knot.

29. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying the string, means for cutting the string, means for clamping the cut ends of the string independently of each other, a core member, means for looping the string about said core member, means for imparting sidewise movement to the string adjacent said core member, and a forked reciprocating device for pushing the ends of the string through said loop to form a knot.

30. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying the string, means for cutting the string, means for temporarily clamping the ends of the string, a core member, means for wrapping the string around said core member to form a loop, a swinging member for imparting sidewise movement to the string adj acent said loop, means for reciprocating the core member to change the position of one side of the loop, and a forked member for pushing the ends of the string through such loop to form a knot.

31. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising'means for supplying the string, a rotary head for receiving the string, means for rotating said head to form a loop in the string, means for introducing the end of the string through said loop, and spring jaws in the head for engaging the end of the string to facilitate tightening of the knot.

, 32. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying two lengths of string, means for cutting and temporarily clamping the string, means for looping the two lengths of string, means for imparting side-wise movement to the string adjacent said loop, and a forked reciprocating member for pushing the ends of the string through said loop to form a knot.

33. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying the string, means for cutting the string, means for clamping the cut ends of the string, a core member, a rotary head for looping the string about said core member, means for imparting sidewise movement to the string adjacent said core member, and a forked reciprocating device for pushing the enlds of the string through said loop to form a (not.

3 4. String attaching appuaratus of the character described, comprising means for supplying a double string, means for cutting the string, means for temporarily clamping the free ends of the string, a core member, a rotary head for wrapping the string around said core member to form a loop, a' forked member for imparting sidewise movement to the string adjacent said loop, means forrre ciprocating the core member to'change the position of one side of the loop, and asecond forked member for pushing the ends of the string through such loop to form aknot.

35. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for supplying a doublestring, a rotary head for' receiving the string, a core, meansfor rotating. said head to form a loop in the string l character described, comprising means for about said core,means for introducing the ends of thestring throughsaid loop, and spring jaws in the head forfrictionally engaging the said ends of the string to facilitate tightening of the knot.

36. String attaching apparatus 'of the characterdescribed, comprising means for,

supplying the string, a rotary head for receiving the 4 string, means for cutting the string to form two free ends, a core, means for rotating the head to form aloop of string about said core, an opening in the core, means for reciprocating the core to changethe plane of therloop, means forfpushing the ends of,

the string through said opening andsaid loop to form theknot, and means for disengaging the loo of'string from said core.

37. tring attaching apparatus of g the character described, comprising means for' means for frictionally holding said ends to facilitate tightening of the knot. V V

38. String attaching apparatus of the feeding a length of string through an article, means for feeding a second length of string adjacent to the first, means for cuttingthe string to form two free ends, means for tem- T porarily holding said free ends, a rotary head between the free ends and the article,means for rotating the head to form a loop in the string, and a forked reciprocating device for pushing theends of thestring through said loop to form the knot.

39. String attaching apparatus of character described, compr sing means for feeding the string through an article, a rotary head, an eccentric'bore therein for;re-

ceiving thestring, aconcentric reciprocating:

core in the head, a guide member for the string, means for rotating the head to wrap the string around the said core to form a loop, means for disengaging the string from said guide member, and meansfor introducingthe end of the string through said loop to formv aknot.

40. String attaching apparatus of the char acter described, comprising means for feed+ ing one length of stringthrough an article,

means for feeding a second length of string adjacent to the first to form a loopwith two free ends, means for manipulating the two lengths of string to form a double loop be-- tween-the article and the said free ends, means for pushing the free ends of the string through the double loop therein, and frictionjawsfor temporarily retaining said ends to' facilitate tightening of the knot.

41. String attaching apparatus of thechar acter described, comprising means for feed ing a length of string through an article, means for similarly feeding a second length of string adjacent to the first, means for cutting the string to form two free ends, means for temporarily holding said free ends, a

rotar-yhead between the free ends and the article, a core carried in said head, means for rotating the head. to form a loop in the string about said core, and a forked reciprocating member for pushing the ends of the string through said loop to form the knot;

42. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for insert ing a string through material to provide two free ends, means for forming a loop of the doubled string, and forked means for pushing said ends through said loop to form: a

knot.

acter described, comprisingmeans for food ing the string through an article, a rotary head, an eccentric bore in the head for. rece1v- '43. String attaching apparatus of the charmg thestring, means for cutting and remporarily retaining the'string beneath said head,a reciprocating core, means for rotatlng the head to wrap the string around said core to form a loop, means for reciprocating the core to change the plane of the loop, and a forked reciprocating member adapted to penetrate the loop to push the end .of the stringthroughthe loop and thus form a knot;

44. String attaching apparatus ofthe char- 7 acter described, comprising means for feed ing and manipulating the string toform atdouble length with two free ends, rotary head, an eccentric'bore therein for engaging" means for rotatlng the head to the string, forma loop, string guidlng means between the head andthe article, means for disengaging the string from said guide means after theformation of the loop, anda reciprocating member for pushing part of the string in .advancethereof throughsaid loop to form a i 45. String attaching apparatus of the char-.

the said head to loop the string, means for pushing part of the string through said loop, a hook member engaging said loop, means for operating the hook member to slide the knot towards the article, and means for disengaging the loop from said hook member.

46. String attaching apparatus of the char-- acter described, comprising a reciprocating needle for feeding the string, a loop-forming rotary head, an eccentric bore therein for receiving the string, and a knot sliding device comprising a loop-engaging hook mounted on said rotary head, means for swinging the hook in an upward direction, and a fork member for disengaging the hook from the string and for pressing the knot upwardly.

47. String attaching apparatus of the characted described, comprising means for feeding the string through an article, a rotary head, an eccentric bore therein for receiving the string, means for cutting and temporarily retaining the string beneath said head, a reciprocating core, means for rotating the head to wrap the string around said core to form a loop, means for frictionally retarding the string during such rotation, means for reciprocating the core to chan e the plane oi the loop, and a reciprocating member adapted to penetrate the loop to introduce part of the string and thus form the knot.

a8. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a reciprocating needle for feeding the string through the article, a rotary head, an eccentric bore therein for receiving the string, means for operating the said head to loop the string, means for pushing the ends of the string through said loop, a hook member engaging said loop, means for swinging said hook member to slide the knot upwards towards the article, and a swinging fork for disengaging the loop from said hook member after the raising of the loop.

49. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a vertically reciprocating needle mounted above the table,means for reciprocating the needle to feed the string through the article and through the table,

1 and knot-forming means located beneath the table to receive the string and form a knot therein comprising a rotary head, a reciproca ting core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle.

50. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a flat article-i recelvlng table, a vertically reciprocating needle for feeding the string through the arti- I"? cle and through the table, mechanism located beneath the table for reciprocating the nee dle and means for receiving and knotting the string comprising a rotary head, a reciproeating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle.

51. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising an articlereceiving table, a control member adjacent thereto, a reciprocating needle above said table, means for operating the needle to thread the string through the article and through the table, means located beneath the table for cutting the string to form two free ends, and means for knotting the string beneath the table comprising a rotary head, a reciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle.

52. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a reciprocating needle for feeding the string through the article and through the table, means for reciprocating the needle from beneath the table, means for receiving the string beneath the table and forming two free depending ends, means for temporarily retaining said ends, means for looping the string, means for passing a part of the string through said loop and means for sliding the knot towards the article upon the table.

53. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a vertically reciprocating member mounted above the table, cam means for reciprocating the said member to feed the string through the article and through the table, means-for cutting off a portion of string, and knot-forming means located beneath the table to receive the string and to form the knot in said string portion after it has been cut off.

54:. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a fiat article-receiving table, string supply means above the table, a vertically reciprocating needle for feeding the string through the article and through the table, string cutting means beneath the table, mechanism located beneath the table for reciprocating the needle and means for receiving and knotting the string comprising a rotary head, a reciprocating core mounted centrally in the head, and an eccentric bore in the said head for the passage of the needle.

55. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising an articlereceiving table, a control member adjacent thereto, a reciprocating needle normally located above said table, means for operating the needle to thread the string through the article and through the table, means located beneath the table for cutting the string to form two free ends, means for temporarily clamping said ends independently of each other, and means for knotting the string beneath the table.

56. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a needle for feeding the string through the article and through'the table, cam means for reciprocating the needle from beneath the table, a rotary head for receiving the string beneath the table, means for cutting the string to form two free depending ends, means for temporarily retaining said ends, means for looping the string, and means for passing the free ends'through said loop to form the knot.

57. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a string feeding needle mounted abovefand extending through the table, means located beneath the table for reciprocating the needle, cutting, clamping and looping the string, and forming and tightening a knot, and drive means therefor.

58. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, a vertically reciprocating needle for feeding the string to penetrate the article and form two free ends depending through the table, means for temporarily clampingsaid free ends, a rotary member for looping the string, means for introducing the ends of the string through said loop to form the knot, and means for manually controlling the operation of the apparatus.

59. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising a table for receiving an article, means for feeding the string through the article and through the table, means located beneath the table .for cutting the string, means for knotting the string beneath the article, means adjacent to the article receiving table for starting the operation, and means for automatically halting the operation at the end of each cycle of operations.

60. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for feeding the string through an article, means for receiving, looping and knotting the string beneath the article, a main shaft for driving the apparatus, a clutch device on the main shaft, and means for manuallyengaging and automatically disengaging the clutch.

61. String attaching apparatus of the character described, comprising means for manipulating the string to engage the article and form tWo free ends, means for knotting the string, a continuously rotating member for driving the apparatus, a manually engaged clutch device for commencing the operation, a second clutch device for stopping the operation and trip mechanism for 7 engaging the second clutch after the com string supply means above the table, means for feeding the string through the article and through the table, means located beneath the table for cutting the string,la rotary head and reciprocating core for knotting the string beneath the article, and means adjacent to the table for starting the operation.

63. A knot tying machine of the character described comprising a string-carrying nee dle, reciprocating means for imparting to the needle a four-stroke cycle, means for re taining the free end of the string after the first stroke of the cycle, independent string retaining means for engaging another part of the string after the third stroke of the cycle, means for cutting the string after said third stroke and means for manipulating the string to form a knot therein after the comafter the completion of'the fourth stroke of the cycle, means for forming a knot in the said loop and means'for tightening said knot.

65. A knot tying machine of the character described comprising a string-carrying needle, means for imparting to the needle 21 four-stroke cycle, means for separating the string from the needle and for temporarily clamping the same after the first and after the third stroke of each cycle, means for manipulating the string to form a bow-knot, and means for tightening the said knot.

66. Apparatus of the character described for the attachment of string to an article, comprising a needle for penetrating the article, means for imparting to the needle a fourstroke cycle-the needle being caused to pen- 67. Apparatus of the character described for the attachment of string to an article, comprising a string-carrying needle, means for imparting a four-stroke cycle to the needle,the needle penetrating the said article during the first and third strokes of said cycle,means for cutting the string and retaining the free ends thereof, means for knotting the string, and means for moving the knot into close engagement with the said article.

68. A knot tying machine of the character described comprising a string-carrying needle, reciprocating means for imparting to the needle a four-stroke cycle, means for cutting the string after the third stroke of the needle and means for manipulating the string to form a bow-knot therein after the completion of the fourth stroke of the cycle.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

KENNETH M. GIVEN. 

